I Am Number Four

Science fiction films live and die by the rules they set for themselves within their stories. However, when a sci-fi feature such as I Am Number Four does not even bother with parameters and skimps on backstory, it enhances the fiction side of the genre, leaving the science on the waste side and an audience apathetic.

John is one of the last of his people from a far-off world trying to conceal his identify on Earth while he is being hunted by another alien species known as Mogadorians, who are responsible for the destruction of his race. John is Number Four of nine extraordinary beings from his planet, all with special abilities that when matured are a threat to the Mogadorians and their conquest to take over Earth.

I Am Number Four plays out like a glorified pilot episode for a CW or SyFy television series. And perhaps that’s what it should have been because it seems writers Alfred Gough and Miles Millar (Smallville) were still in TV mode when writing this screenplay. The backstory on the main characters is thinner than Christian Bale in The Machinist. Stereotypes used for modern day teenagers comes straight out of an 80’s film, and the villain Mogadorians might as well be directly transported from a bad episode of Star Trek.

The main plot line of nine supernatural beings from another planet who are systematically hunted on Earth is not without some merit. The film begins as intriguing but suffers from an incredibly long and drawn out 2nd Act that does little more than waste time with redundant scenes of John receiving text messages on his iPhone. The film does manage to accelerate in the 3rd Act with some exciting action sequences and special effects displaying Johns abilities, but they are merely superficial with zero support in the story of their limitations and how they function.

Alex Pettier who plays John in the film gives an admirable performance with the material he was given. Pettier brings a strong sense of moral stature and confidence to the role, giving the audience a reason to root for John other than just because he’s the good guy. Other notable performances include Diana Agron (Glee) playing John’s human love interest Sarah. Agron possesses the skills of a more seasoned actor which, by no fault of her own, sometime seem out of place among her young cast mates. It’s unfortunate there was not an opportunity for Agron to have any scenes with Timothy Olyphant’s (Live Free or Die Hard, Justified) character Henri, who is also from John’s planet and responsible for his protection until John’s powers come to fruition. Olyphant’s substantial talents are pretty much wasted in this film as the script never gives his character the chance to be the mentor and key to John's backstory that was so desperately needed.

This film has good framework with a story idea and fresh, qualified actors to begin a new sci-fi saga, but its complete lack of depth and attention to detail will ultimately keep I Am Number Four in the class of one-shot and forgotten.

Story: 6.5
Acting: 7.0
Writing: 6.0
Captivation: 6.0
Replay Value: 7.0

Total = 6.5


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Big Fish Recap 2/11/09 - Back On Track

The Cobra Kai entered last Friday’s Showdown with a Do or Die mentality. Our Usual Strike First, Strike Hard, No Mercy Mentality was changed to Do or Die for One Night. The Team was reeling from a 2 game losing streak marred by injuries and a shuffled line-up to start the season. And with a Good Pretzels team awaiting us last Friday night there would be no room for errors on this evening.

Pretzels jumped off to a 4 run lead in the top of the first that might have forced other teams to fold under their blitzing hits and big bombs of the first inning…..or as Christina would say the Twighligths last reaming. However, the Cobra Kai struck right back and retook the lead with patient at plate appearances highlighted by the arrival of Capt. Tucci in the top of the line-up to help spark the team. “We needed Tucci’s energy in the top and thus I told him the team will either live or die with him….it’s the Captains choice” The Swami said after the game.

Well, the Team rose up and we fought together to save our season. The Bats woke up and they woke up with a vengeance on this night. The Cobra Kai struck with No mercy in the bottom of the first posting 8 runs and vowing never to look back from there. The Swami was coming off a heartbreaking loss by his hometown Steelers but used that energy at the plate taking his revenge on the pitcher blasting a shot in the bottom of the first to spark the team.

Sully managed to pull out several clutch hits all night but none more than in the first as he was still reeling from a near knockout blow from Koko in warm-ups. “I was seeing three balls all night, when Koko told me just to hit the one in the middle that’s what I did” Sully said after the game. Interesting to hear Koko’s big blow and Sully seeing three balls in the same sentence…but we will try to assume he was referring to the game. DonJuan kept things going upping his league leading OB% and the Kai went all the way through the line-up to start the game.

Savvy Veteran Oil Can Spragues was back on the mound leading the charge for the Kai in the field and his never say die attitude is exactly what the doctor ordered for the Kai on this night. However, the biggest surge came from an old Kai faithful Johnny Blaze. Blaze entered the game lacking his usual swagger on the season but that all came to a halt once this once got under way. Back at the Hot Corner and reunited with his swing Blaze was the difference on this hallowed evening. Johnny put up a 4-4 performance and snagged several hot reads at the hot corner reassuming his Miyagi like influence. The other difference for the Kai came from Koko as he ran down a muddled high flying ball and ripped two shots down the 3rd base line to impress the GOAT whom did not believe his brother was capable of such a feat. All in all it was one of the Kai’s greatest all around team performance taking down Pretzels 16-15 holding off a late rally to keep the season’s goal of a championship alive and well.

See You Under the Friday Night Lights for another Showdown with the SHARKS!